The appearance of Puerto Al-Thani, La Bajadilla port in Marbella could be changed and once the development plan is carried out might hold very little resemblance compared to that reflected from the blueprints which were drafted two years ago. Sheikh Al-Thani is said to be preparing a number of changes that will endeavor to make sure the profitability of the port and have been advised to the public ports agency of Andalucia (APPA), where they are met with with some caution considering that the company was awarded the concession to expand La Bajadilla mostly based on a project whose fundamental lines wouldn’t be able to be altered.

The port could change from the original plans drawn up two years ago

The sheikh´s associates have discussed at the lastest meetings that the adjustments are required due to the overall economy. It is understood that they will only affect the port section and not the commercial area or the area that has been set aside for hotel use. The original plans had been for a circular-shaped port along with berths for 1,220 leisure yachts between six and 125 metres long, 860 in the water and 360 in dry dock.The adjustments could affect the unique circular form of the port.

The new team is believed to have questioned the financial viability of a few of some elements of the original plans, that were drawn up by a different team that is now in dispute with the sheik´s company over settlement of its fees.

The wheels of the Puerto Al-Thani, La Bajadilla port in Marbella continue to roll.

The mayor of Marbella Angeles Munoz was adamant the Arabic royal prince who is driving the venture seemed to be ‘still committed’ and also that construction would certainly begin at the beginning of the coming year in 2014.
She was adamant the project ‘would become a reality’ following a meeting with associates of Sheik Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Thani last week.

How Puerto Al-Thani will look

She verified the fact that his organization had now taken substantial action to reactivate work, after it had established a ‘port management team’ and guaranteed to pay for any outstanding arrears it owes.

The company’s social funds have been increased to 21 million euros.

It is about 2 or 3 weeks after the 400 million euro venture went into real danger of being sunk after the sheik threatened to pull out following being told that legislation was rejected to permit him to construct a hotel in the port.

However he has evidently now relented, with Munoz suggesting it is going to allow the town to become a major cruise destination once the port is completed.

“The Bajadilla port project will help create jobs in the local economy and also reactivate the local economy” she stated.